1787 PIECE Immunis Columbia Piece, Eagle Reverse MS64 Brown
PCGS. Ex: Troy Wiseman Collection. Crosby Pl. VIII, 8,
Breen-1137, W-5680, High R.4. Breen believed this scarce issue was
originally intended as a pattern for Continental Congress coinage.
Later, it was struck for circulation, possibly at the Rahway Mills
private mint in New Jersey. The only collectible Immune/Immunis
Columbia variety; the Guide Book also lists several
extremely rare issues, dated 1785 or 1786, paired with various dies
such as a Nova Constellatio obverse, a Vermont obverse, and a New
Jersey reverse. Rarest of all is the unique gold example of the
1785 Immune Columbia Blunt Rays NOVA CONSTELATIO, obtained by the
Mint collection in 1843 from Matthew Stickney in exchange for an
1804 Class I Original silver dollar.
The present medium brown Immunis Columbia Eagle Reverse example is
sharply struck and uncommonly smooth. Luster glimmers throughout
the major devices. A light die crack descends from the eagle's
beak, and dentils are clashed onto the reverse border near 9
o'clock. Mint-made die lines pierce the eagle's head and reach the
U in UNITED. Minor die rust, also as made, is seen beneath the O in
COLUMBIA. Most survivors are in well worn or corroded condition;
this remarkable example ranks among the finest known. As of
(11/09), NGC and PCGS have certified a combined total of three
pieces as MS64 Brown, with none finer. Listed on page 53 of the
2010 Guide Book.Ex: Troy Wiseman Collection (Heritage, 1/2007), lot 752, which
realized $46,000. (PCGS# 841)